If Your Gums Bleed When You Brush, Floss or Eat You May Have Gum Disease

Do Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss?

Sore and painful gums should not be ignored. If you have bleeding gums, set up an appointment for an oral evaluation with your doctor as soon as possible.

Here is a closer look at some common causes of bleeding gums:

Gum Disease

Medications

Pregnancy

You May Have Gum Disease

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

The health of your mouth plays a role in the health of your entire body, so any signs of gum disease need to be taken seriously. Bleeding gums are one of the symptoms of gum disease and can be a sign that your gums have become inflamed or infected.

For New Patients

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign of more serious health problems, including gum disease. The health of your mouth plays an important role in your overall health and treatment should not be delayed. Bleeding gums are one of the signs you are suffering from gum disease, but also is a sign your gums have become inflamed or infected. Bleeding gums tend to be sore and painful and should not be ignored. For patients experiencing bleeding gums contact Drs. TJ Miller II and Thomas J. Miller, trusted periodontists for Worthington and Columbus, OH and surrounding areas.

Gum disease is a common cause of bleeding gums, usually a result of poor oral hygiene. If you do not practice a daily oral hygiene routine, bacteria builds up, causing inflammation of the gums. The inflammation turns the gums red, makes them swollen and bleed. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and can be reversed with early treatment and a good, daily oral hygiene routine.

If untreated, gingivitis progresses into advanced stage gum disease, known as periodontitis. In this advanced stage bone and tooth loss are common. Periodontal disease has no cure but can be managed through periodontal therapy, cleanings and meticulous homecare. Regular screenings for periodontal disease are an important part of your dental care to detect the presence of the disease early.

Medications can also be a cause of bleeding gums. Medications such as aspirin, blood thinners, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), birth control pills and some blood pressure medications have blood thinning properties to them, and may cause your gums to bleed. It is important to disclose all medical conditions and medications you recently took or are currently taking to Drs. TJ Miller II and Thomas J. Miller.

Pregnancy may also be a cause of bleeding gums. Increased hormone levels may prompt your gums to bleed more readily when performing normal tasks such as eating, brushing or flossing. Your gums may even bleed spontaneously. Hormone levels are at their highest right after giving birth, often leading to pregnancy gingivitis. Regular checkups and consistent home care are very important during pregnancy.

If you have noticed your gums bleeding often, set up a consultation with Drs. TJ Miller II and Thomas J. Miller. Drs. TJ Miller II and Thomas J. Miller are periodontists in Worthington and Columbus, OH and surrounding areas that can determine whether your bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease and offer you a treatment plan.